An extra hour to reach Mora – all time limits in Vasaloppet 2027 extended

The dream of skiing Vasaloppet and crossing the finish line beneath the iconic portal in Mora may now feel a little closer for many. For Vasaloppet 2027, all cut-off times will be moved back, giving participants an extra hour to complete the world’s biggest long-distance cross-country ski race.

“Vasaloppet is still a major challenge, but we want to give more people the opportunity to succeed. Skiing under the finish line portal in Mora is an experience that many dream of, and we are now creating better conditions for more participants to make it all the way to the finish,” says Johan Eriksson, CEO of Vasaloppet.

In recent years, increasing numbers of participants have taken on Vasaloppet for the first time. Developments have also shown that many of those starting further back in the field need more time to complete the 90 kilometres, in particular when conditions on the course are challenging.

Ahead of Vasaloppet 2026, the cut-off time at Smågan was moved back by 30 minutes, and the much-appreciated pace guides were introduced. Experience gained from these changes, together with analyses of previous races, has now provided the basis for the next step: moving all cut-off times back by one hour. This means that the final participants are now expected to cross the finish line at around 22:00 instead of 21:00.

These new cut-off times will be permanent; they will not be adjusted on race day. In addition, new intermediate cut-off points will be introduced between the checkpoints to ensure smoother assistance for participants who are no longer able to reach the next checkpoint before the cut-off. Medical resources will also be strengthened throughout the Vasaloppet Arena.

“When participants have more time, they also need to listen to their bodies, and we must ensure appropriate care throughout the race. Good preparation and a well-planned energy intake are important factors in ensuring a positive experience when skiing a race that can take up to 12–14 hours. With additional resources and a continued focus on safety, we believe this change will give more people the opportunity to complete their race safely,” says Martin Annsberg, Vasaloppet’s chief medical officer.

The pace guides, introduced in Vasaloppet 2026, will also be on the course this winter.

They will join the field shortly after the first climb and act as skiing pacemakers for participants who want to maintain the pace needed to reach the next checkpoint before the cut-off.

“For many people, Vasaloppet is about much more than their finishing time. It is about taking on a challenge, preparing over a long period and experiencing the joy of finally skiing beneath the iconic finish portal in Mora – something they may previously have seen only on television. We want more people to have that experience,” says Johan Eriksson.

The revised time limits complement the initiative to improve ski tracks ahead of Vasaloppet 2027. The goal is the same: to give more participants the opportunity to complete the race and reach the iconic finish in Mora.

Facts// Vasaloppet 2027

• All cut-off times will be moved back by 60 minutes.
• Cut-off times will be fixed; they will not change on race day.
• New cut-off points will be introduced between the checkpoints.
• Pace guides will return to help participants maintain the pace required to reach the next checkpoint.
• The final participants are expected to cross the finish line at around 22:00.
• Initiatives are also under way to improve ski tracks and create better conditions for participants to reach Mora, read more here.

Everything you need to know about Vasaloppet 2027 >